Banksy Explains Self-Destructing Artwork

At this week’s Sotheby's Evening Contemporary sale in London, Banksy’s 2006 Girl With Balloon sold for a record $1.4 million, well over its estimated $386,000 price tag. The auction-goers cheered as an alarm sounded, causing everyone to look over at the painting, which promptly shredded itself through the bottom of the frame. News and video of the incident went viral, and now the artist has finally commented on the prank…

Twitter - @DailyMirror

Alex Branczik, Sotheby's head of contemporary art in Europe, announced at a press conference, “We’ve been Banksy-ed.” While the moment was certainly shocking, people quickly realized that this is very much in line with something the artist would do. He posted a clip of the self-destructing painting with the caption, “Going, going, gone…” and has since released another video showing why and how he did it…

Twitter - @imran_jutt47

Banksy also shared the Picasso quote, “The urge to destroy is also a creative urge.” He has never revealed his identity, but occasionally participates in media. In his behind-the-scenes video, which shows the construction of the shredding picture frame, he said, "A few years ago I secretly built a shredder into a painting in case it was ever put up for auction.” Many have questioned if the auction house had anything to do with the act.

Twitter - @The_Tim

Sotheby’s released a statement clarifying that, "We had no prior knowledge of this event and were not in any way involved.” Some believe this couldn’t possibly be true, seeing as auction houses require thorough inspections of artwork prior to sale. Either way, this definitely made a big impression, and maybe even increased the value of Girl With Balloon. Check out the video below to see the incredible incident unfold.